BIZZY BAKES

It is good to be back.  Having been away from blogging since January, I came back with a different point of view as to what I expect from blogging and what I want to give to blogging.  This has changed greatly.  I am not sure why but I do know that before I had to take a break, I was thinking about how to change the blog and evaluating the time I put into it.  These changes may be a continuation of that or perhaps, having such a big change in my life caused me to re-prioritize. This time, I will not allow myself to feel pressured to get a recipe on the blog.  I had made up mandatory obligations for myself and if I ask why, I don't have a sensible answer.  I do have to meet my commitment to the groups I am in and that is my pleasure to do.  On the other hand, if for some reason, I can't accomplish this, I am not going to beat myself up.  Of course, this does not include any group where we cook from another blog.  That is not negotiab...

  Our latest baked treat from the The Home Bakers is a tasty cranberry pecan orange coffee cake which fits right in with my husband's preferences.  Nuts and fruit and coffee cake means it will disappear more quickly than usual. Maria from Box of Stolen Socks . selected the cake, this time, and she did a good job, doing this.   The cake was easy to put together and the fruit made it full bodied and moist.  I did use orange juice in place of the concentrate.  That with some zest and you recapture the orange flavor.  I am sure concentrate would have had a fuller flavor, though. For information about the Home bakers and to see the recipes, each member has baked, go over here.   We are using the book, Coffee Cakes, Simple Sweet and Savory by Lou Siebert Pappas.

Join us in Ina's Garden  Tomorrow is Ina's Garden's linky and the theme was selected by Mia who has absolutely the best taste.  She chose Sweet Baked Love. Baked love is for anyone we love and baked, to me, could be meat loaf or a beautiful cake.  It is what we give out of love.  I stayed with the traditional baked goods and made mini bundts.   If I say so myself,they were delicious.  Sour Cream Coffee Cakes have been part of our lives for many years.  It is the go to cake although I do not have a go to recipe.  This one just might be it. Sour Cream Coffee Cake  (Adapted - Ina Garten) Ingredients: 11 tablespoons Canola Oil at room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs at room temperature 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 1/4 cup sour cream 2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising) 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt For the streusel: 1/4 cup light brown sugar,...